Flushing device for outboard motors



Oct. 3, 1961 K. G. GUHLIN 3,002,488

FLUSHING DEVICE FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS Filed Oct. 12, 1959 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR- 147' 7' OfP/VE VJ Wa n-2, l

Oct. 3, 1961 K. G. GUHLIN 3,

FLUSHING DEVICE FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS Filed Oct. 12, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'a// 5. 60/7/07 I INVEN TOR.

A 77' ORA/E KI ball, Tex.

Filed Oct. 12, 1959, Ser. No. 845,860

9 Claims. (Cl. 115-17) This application is in part a continuation of prior copending application Serial No. 767,607, filed October 16, 1958, now abandoned, for Flushing Device for Outboard Motors.

This invention pertains to an attachment for outboard motors which when connected to the motor provides a means to'introduce fresh cool water to the water intake port of the motor, thereby enabling the motor to be'cleaned or flushed with clean water without the necessity of removing the motor from the boat.

This device is useful and needed because in the normal course of operation the moving and vital parts of the motor come in contact with material such as-salt, sand, or silt, which if not removed from the motor within a reasonable time may cause serious injury to the motor. The removal of these damaging materials can best be accomplished by flushing the motor with fresh clean water immediately after use.

in the past it has been necessary to remove the motor from the boat, place it in a barrel or drum of fresh water, operate the motor while in the barrel or drum, then replace the motor on the boat. Due to the size and weight of most outboard motors, this is a strenuous and time consuming procedure. Many motors are of suificient size and weight that they require the use of a hoist or other mechanical device to transport the motor from'the boat to the barrel and back again. 7

Other types of attachments have been proposed for the purpose of cleaning and flushing outboard motors. EX- amples are disclosed in Patents Nos. 2,005,385 and 2,611,- 63 l.

Some prior art proposes to introduce the cleaningwater to the outlet of the motor to cause the water to flow in a direction opposite to its normal course. This does not enable the water to reach all of the moving parts of the motor which require cleaning. In addition, it may do injury to the motor by reversing the movement of its parts and by causing entry of water into the combustion chambers. This device neither affords the opportunity to clean the motor while it is in operation nor the opportunity to adjust or break in the motor by its use.

' Other prior art disclosed are designed to introduce the cleaning water to the water intake port of the motor, but these are limited in their use to one'rather outmoded class of motors. These devices could not be made to fit other classes of the older motors or any class of the modern motors, in whichthe Water intake is in the forward edge of a vertical fin disposed below the usual horizontal fin which forms the anti-cavitation plate. These devices are difficult to attach to the motor in that they require the operator to wrap the connecting strap completely around the motor housing and to use tools in the attachment procedure. The devices appear to be intended to be mounted as a permanent part of the motor.

' This creates at least two hazards to the motor: first, that the attachment might slip from oneside to the other; and second that the device is so constructed that it afiords greater possibility of introducing large pieces of foreign matter to the motor. Both of these hazards would tend to cut off the water supply of the motor and cause it to overheat and burn out. a

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide nited States atent be readily attached to the modern type of motor in which the water intake is provided in a downwardly and rearwardly extending vertical fin disposed below the horizontal fin which forms the anticavit-ation plate of the motor.

Another object is to provide such an attachment which may readily be placed on the motor and removed therefrom without the necessity for tools of any kind.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device which will accomplish the results just stated and yet, have no part disposed in such a manner that it might get in the way of the propeller or screw carried by the motor.

Another object of this invention is to provide an attachment of the character referred to in which the attachment will at all times be tensioned tightly against the forward edge of the fin and about the intake opening for taking water into the motor.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a device in which the means for tensioning the attachment about the water intake opening of the motor will engage a portion of the motor directly opposed to the surface in which the water intake opening is located.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character last mentioned in which the securing means is of a nature which will engage a surface of the character referred to even though'that surface is disposed within a cavity in the motor housing, such as the opening to the rear of the vertical fin in which the water intake opening is located.

Another object of this invention is to provide an attach- A ment of the character mentioned in which bracket means is provided for engaging the horizontal fin or plate form thereof without requiring tightening of any kind after being fitted in place, yet in which the attachment will be held firmly against that portion of the motor in which the water intake opening is located.

7 Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth byway of illustration and example certain preferredembodiments of this invention.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the lower portion of an 'outboard motor having a flushing attachment thereon .a flushing attachment for outboard motors -which.may..

constructed in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the same attachment as illustrated in FIG. 1 but with the same removed from the motor.

FIG. 3 is another view of the attachment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the same in vertical cross section.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the same attachment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, inclusive, but taken along the line 44 of FIG. 3.

.FIG. 5 is a view of a modified form of attachment employing a bracket which may be hooked over the edge of the horizontal fin or anti-cavitation plate without the necessity for any tools whatsoever and in which the attachment is tensioned against the water inlet opening by means of a resilient element such as a spring or the like on each side of the fin in which the water intake opening is located.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the form of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing in outline a fragmentary portion of the lower part of an outboard motor in side elevation and illustrating the attachment constructed in accordance with this invention mounted thereon.

7 vFIG. 8 is a perspective view of the attachment shown in FIG. 7 removed from the motor.

In the preferred forms of the invention the objects heretofore stated are accomplished by means of a body member which is generally U-shaped in configuration to fit around the forward edge of a vertical fin on the lower portion of an outboard motor in which fin or closely adjacent thereto is provided the water inlet opening for the motor. Suitable gasket material is provided between this U-shaped body and the vertical fin so as to seal about the water intake opening and a conduit is provided in this body with at least one opening through the gasket just mentioned into the water intake opening of the motor and with its opposite end provided with a fitting adapted to receive an ordinary garden hose or other source of fluid under pressure for use in flushing the motor. The body just described is held in tightly tensioned engagement with the forward edge of the vertical fin and hence in sealing engagement about the water intake opening of the motor by suitable securing means which takes slightly different forms in the different embodiments of the invention illustrated. Generally, however, this securing means is provided in such a fashion that it will engage a surface of the motor which faces oppositely to that in which the water intake opening is provided, this means being in the form of a lever and set screw in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, and in the form of a bracket adapted to fit over the edge of the anti-cavitation plate in FIGS. 5 and 6, and a pair of braclkets adapted to engage the upper surface of the anti-cavitation plate in FIGS. 7 and 8. The tensioning means in the case of FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, and 7 and 8 is in the form of bolt and nut combinations or set screws, as the case may be, but in each case in the form of a threaded member which applies the tensioning force to hold the body in place. The tensioning members in the case of the form shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 consist of tension springs, one on either side of the {vertical fin of the motor and engaging the bracket which hooks over the edge of the anti-cavitation plate.

Referring more in detail to thedrawing, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 a body comprising a U-shaped member 13 having side parts 15- adapted to extend up along the sides of the vertical fin in which the water intake opening of the motor is located. At the upper extremities of these plates or parts 15 there are provided in the form shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, upwardly and rearwardly extending arms 16 with a pivot or shaft 18 extending between them. The parts 15 are so proportioned along with the arms 16 that the pivot 18 will be located rearwardly of the rearmost edge of the vertical fin on the motor when the device is in place on the motor. Carried on this pivot or shaft 18 are a pair of tubular spacers 19 leaving space between them for the pivotal mounting of a lever 20 which extends toward the innermost curve of the U-shaped body at one end and has mounted thereon a pressure foot 22. The opposite end of this lever 20 extends from the pivot 18 in a direction substantially parallel to the innermost curve of the U-shaped body and at a position spaced from the pivot 18 there is provided a threaded opening adapted to receive a tensioning screw 24 threaded therethrough and having a pressure pad on its end closest to .the bottom of the U-shaped body. The opposite end of the screw 24 is provided with a suitable shape 26 by which it may be grasped and rotated. It will be seen that by tightening this screw so as to move the pressure foot away from the lever 20, both pressure foot 25 and pressure foot 22 may be tensioned against .the inner surface of the vertical fin which faces oppositely from the surface in which the water intake opening is located.

Thus by this arrangement, as illustrated inFlG. 1, even in those instances in which the vertical fin of the motor is hollow and has its inner surface located in a rather inaccessible position from the exterior of the motor, the clamping means illustrated may be inserted into the opening in the rear portion of this fin and then readily tightened so as to provide a clamping action against a surface far into the interior of the vertical fin.

The body 13, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3, is provided with a conduit 27 which extends generally parallel to the inner surface of the U-shaped body where it is adapted to engage the forward edge of the vertical fin on the motor. This conduit extends from an externally open end which is provided with a fitting 28 adapted to receive a garden hose 29 or the like to its opposite end which is in communication with the water intake opening of the motor through a suitable opening in the gasket 30 between this body and the motor as shown at 31. A number of openings from the conduit 27 may be provided corresponding to the number of water intake openings on the motor.

The Water intake openings on the motor are illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 1 as shown at 3'2 and the passages in the motor extend therefrom up through the vertical fin on the motor and into the body 3 3 of the motor in the usual and well-known fashion.

It will be seen that by providing the water conduit or passageway 27 substantially parallel with the lower and forward edge of the vertical fin in which the water intake opening is located, no part of the attachment will tend to interfere with the operation of the propeller 35 of the motor.

In using the attachment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, it is only necessary to place the U-shaped body in appropriate position so that the openings 31 from the conduit 27 therein will substantially register with the 'water intake openings in the motor, then swing the lever 20 into position such that the pressure foot 22 engages the interior of this fin at a position which is substantially inaccessible from the outside of the motor, and the other pressure foot 25 will be aligned with a more exteriorly located portion of the interior of the fin. Then by tightening the setscrew 26, both pressure feet 22 and 25 will be tightened and will tension the body 13 against the forward and lower edge of the vertical fin so that the gasket 30 will provide a seal about the water intake openings in the fin.

Water may .then be injected into the motor from a garden hose 29 or other suitable source of fluid under pressure and with water thus flowing through the motor in the same fashion that it flows through the motor while the motor is in use, the motor may be operated even though it may be mounted on the rear end of a boat on a trailer.

Referring now to the form illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be seen that the body is substantially similar .to the body illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive. It consists of a U-shaped body member 113 having parts 115 extending up along the wall of the vertical fin on the motor, as shown in FIG. 5.

The body 113 is held in sealing position against the forward edge of the fin which in this case is 132, by means of a bracket having upwardly and forwardly bent ears 122 adapted to engage the upper surface of the anti-cavitation plate 134 of the motor. These fit over this cavitation plate after the manner of hooks and have other ears 123 extending beneath the cavitation plate and provided with openings adapted to receive the upper ends of tensioning springs 124. The opposite ends of these springs are secured to the upwardly extending side parts 115' of the body of the attachment so as to tension the body tightly at all times against the forward and lower edge of the vertical fin 132. The bracket 120 may be provided with a suitable shape as at 126 whereby it may be readily grasped for the purpose of tensioning the members 124 and hooking the bracket ears 122 over the anti-cavitation plate 134.

As in the previously described forms, a fluid conduit hose 129 or the like.

to convey flushing fluidto the water intake opening in such fin. At its outer end this conduit is provided with a fitting 128 adapted to receive a hose connection of a Likewise, this body is provided with a gasket 130 in its interior for sealing against the forward edge of the fin 132 about the water intake opening and is provided with openings 131 from the conduit 127 for the purpose of conducting water or the flushi ing fluid to the water intake opening of the motor.

bracket 120 is so hooked over the rearward edgeof the anti-cavitation plate as illustrated, the springs 124 will be in tension and will serve to constantly urge the body 113 against the forward edge of the fin 132 and hold it in sealing positionagainst such forward edge." Thereupon the flushing water may be forcedthrough the motor as in the case of the form shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 inclusive.

Referring now to the form shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the body of the attachment is designated 213 in this instance and, as before, has upwardly extending side members or parts 215 extending upwardly and rearwardly along the sides of the vertical fin 232.

rearwardly extending ears or extensions 16 shown in the form illustrated in FIG. 1,'this form of FIGS. 7 and 8 provides lateral extensions 216 on the upper ends of the parts 215, these lateral extensions being shaped to fit against the underside of the anti-cavitation plate 234 and to extend beyond its edges.

A pair of brackets 220 are provided for engaging the upper surface of the anti-cavitation plate, the pressure feet 222 on these brackets 220 being provided for this purpose. Each of these brackets also has an intermediate part 223 with an opening therein to receive a threaded tensioning member in the form of a stud or bolt 224 having one end secured to the plate or extension 216 and the other end adapted to receive a wing nut 226 or the like by which the brackets 220 may be tightened to clamp the extensions 216 and hence the body of the attachment tightly against the undersurface of the anti-cavitation plate 234.

This form of the invention likewise has a conduit 227 terminating at its outer end in a fitting 228 adapted to receive a hose connection 229 or the like. At its inner end this conduit opens through a gasket 230 by which the body is adapted to be sealed to the forward edge of the vertical fin 232 so that the fluid opening 231 from the body 213 will be in register with and sealed about the water intake opening of the motor on the forward edge of the fin 232.

The form of FIGS. 7 and 8 is likewise intended to be used in a manner very similar to that of the other two forms. It is put in place against the forward and lower edge of the vertical fin 232 of the motor with the opening 231 in register with the water intake opening into the forward edge of the fin 232 of the motor, in which position the body is so designed that the lateral extensions 216 of the upwardly extending parts 215 will lie closely adjacent the undersurface of the anti-cavitation plate 234 but preferably slightly spaced therefrom so that upon being pushed tightly upwardly against the anti-cavitation plate 234 the gasket 230 will be slightly compressed to provide a seal about the opening 231 against the fin 232. With the body in the position just indicated the brackets 220 will be put in position over the bolts or studs 224 with the pressure feet 222 bearing against the upper surface of anti-cavitation plate 234. The wing nuts 226 will then be put in place and tightened, tensioning the body tightly against the forward and lower edge of the vertical fin 232.

Flushing fluid may then be injected into the motor and forced to circulate therethrough during which time the motor may be tested as well as being flushed out if so desired.

Of the three forms of the invention illustrated, the form shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be used in many instances as a substitute for the form shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, or vice versa, but in those forms in which the rear edge of the anti-cavitation plate is suitably located the form shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is preferred because of its simplicity and inexpensive construction as compared with that shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive.

The form shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be employed preferably in those instances in which the rear edge of the anti-cavitation plate is not appropriately located with respect to the location of the water intake openings in the forward edge of the vertical fin. This form may be employed where such water intake opening or openings 'are located much too far forward with respect to the rear edge of the anti-cavitation plate to make it possible I for the form shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to be employed.

From the foregoing it will be seen that means have been provided whereby all of the objects and advantages sought by this invention may readily be accomplished.

Instead of the From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The invention having been described, what is claimed 1. In combination with an outboard motor including a hollow fin vertically disposed in use having a downwardly and rearwardly sloping forward edge and having a water intake opening at said forward edge and being open along its rearward edge into a portion of its hollow interior, and a second fin horizontally disposed in use joined along the upper edge of and extending laterally beyond said hollow fin in every direction, a flushing device comprising a body fitted to and embracing and sealed to the forward edge of said hollow fin around said intake opening and having parts thereon extending rearwardly and upwardly along the sides of said hollow fin, said body having a conduit therein with one end of said conduit in communication with said intake opening and the other open to the exterior of the body and formed to receive a connection to a source of flushing fluid, and securing means extending from said parts beyond said hollow fin and tensioned against a portion of the motor surface facing opposite to the forward edge of the hollow fin to hold the body sealed against the forward edge of the hollow fin.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which said securing means comprises a clamping part extending through the open rearward edge of and engaging the interior of said hollow fin.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which said securing means comprises a set screw threadedly connected with said parts and extending from said threaded connection through the open rear edge of and engaging the interior of said hollow fin.

4. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which said securing means comprises a lever pivotally carried be- 7 tween said parts, a clamping part on said lever on each side of said pivot, and means for moving one of said clamping parts away from the lever and toward the adjacent surface of the motor to engage both of said clamping parts against the motor.

5. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which said securing means comprises a bracket means engaging the upper surface of said horizontal fin and tensioning means connecting said bracket means to said parts and urging said bracket means and parts toward each other.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 in which said tensioning means is a threaded bolt and nut combination.

7. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which said securing means comprises a pair of brackets engaging the upper surface of said horizontal fin, on opposite sides of the central plane of said hollow fin, respectively, and tensioning means connecting each of said brackets to one of said parts and urging each part toward one of said brackets.

8. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which said securing means comprises a bracket means hooked over the edge of said horizontal fin and a pair of tension springs stretched between said parts respectively and said bracket means.

9. In combination with an outboard motor including a hollow fin vertically disposed in use having a downwardly and rearwardly sloping forward edge and having a water intake opening at said forward edge and being open along its rearward edge into a portion of its hollow interior, and a second fin horizontally disposed in use j in along the upp edge of and e nd ng laterally beyond said hollow fin in every direction, a flushing device comprising a body fitted to and embracing and sealed to the forward edge of said hollow fin around said intake opening and having parts thereon extending rearwardly and upwardly along the sides of said hollow fin, said body having a conduit therein with one end of said conduit in communication with said intake opening and the other open to the exterior of the body and formed to receive a connection to a source of flushing fluid, said conduit extending through said body from said intake opening in approximate parallelism to the adjacent surface of the motor engaged by the body and extending in said direction beyond the extremity of said adjacent surface of the motor to the end of the conduit which is open to the exterior of the body, and securing means extending from said parts beyond said hollowfin and tensioned against a portion of the motor surface facing opposite to the forward edge of the hollow fin to hold the body sealed against the forward edge of the hollow fin.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,986,225 Sefkin Jan. 1, 1935 2,611,631 Benson Sept. 23, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 485,374 Canada Aug. 5, 1952 

